LSU Recognizes Missy Korduner, PhD, as Part of We Build Teams That Win Recognition Program

BATON ROUGE, LA – Missy Korduner, PhD, assistant professor of professional practice in the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, was recognized by LSU as part of the “We Build Teams That Win” employee recognition program for her work launching the Graduate Student Leadership Initiative (GSLI). 

The team consists of Korduner, who served on the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School’s Faculty Fellows for Student Success program in 2025 when GSLI was created; Tyler Flynn, program manager of Graduate Student Success; and Kristen Williams, director of Graduate Student Success. 

“I am honored to have been selected to serve as a 2025 Faculty Fellow with the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School,” Korduner said. “In the role, I focused on creating leadership development initiatives for graduate students, which resulted in GSLI. Working collaboratively with Dr. Williams and Tyler in the Graduate School to bring the GSLI, a strengths-based leadership development program, to fruition has been a highlight of my professional career.” 

Grounded in strengths-based leadership, the GSLI is a semester-long initiative that helps students identify and develop their innate talents and strengths. The cohort-style program includes completing the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment, which is designed to identify an individual’s top talent themes and natural patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving, participating in a 2.5-day conference-style workshop, developing a personalized leadership plan and engaging in 1:1 coaching and a final group workshop before completing the program with a closing ceremony.  

Initial data from the first cohort indicates a huge impact on student development and success. Participants showed a 15.5% increase in leader identity following the program’s conference experience, a 17.7% increase by the end of the semester, and a 29.9% increase in strengths awareness overall. The evaluation overall indicated students truly valued the experience, gained confidence, and had a better understanding of when and where to apply their strengths in a variety of settings. 

“Engaging with our graduate students throughout the semester long experience and hearing about the impact this program has had on their personal, academic and professional development has been such a joy,” Korduner said. “The GSLI reflects a commitment to empowering graduate students to recognize, develop and embrace their unique talents and strengths, equipping them to lead with authenticity, confidence, and purpose - both as students and professionals in the workforce.” 

The three-person team was recognized for their collaboration and direct impact on student success.

Korduner also serves as the MS graduate programs coordinator and academic advisor in the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development and a leadership development coach and curriculum developer for the LSU Leadership Development Institute.

“At the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, we are committed to advancing personal, professional and workforce development in ways that prepare individuals to lead and contribute meaningfully in a rapidly evolving world,” Petra A. Robinson, PhD, interim director of the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, said. “The Graduate Student Leadership Initiative reflects that commitment in action, equipping students with the self-awareness, confidence, and applied leadership skills needed to translate their strengths into impact. Dr. Korduner’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, and this recognition is well deserved.” 

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About the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development

The LSU School of Leadership & Human Resource Development (SLHRD) delivers premier programs crafted to shape exceptional leaders, expert practitioners, and distinguished educators in the field of Leadership and Human Resource Development. Offering BS, MS, and PhD degrees, SLHRD equips professionals with cutting-edge skills in leadership, strategic planning, critical analysis, problem-solving, and change management—key competencies essential for driving success in today’s dynamic global landscape.

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